Just received an email from Cinevate that they have officially announced the availability for pre-order of their unusually different take on DSLR viewfinders – the Cyclops. I don’t think in my history i’ve ever used a Dual Eye viewfinder on a video camera, but it’s not like Cinevate to be working on something they didn’t think was needed. Who knows, it may change all DSLR view finder design considerations from here on out.

You can get a deeper insight on the complete design and versatility to adapt to full size rigs by checking out the video here: http://www.vimeo.com/14670278. The Cinevate website product page shows that the early birds who might be interested can catch a break for $399, with pricing set to go up soon after. That product page can be found here: Cinevate Cyclops DSLR Viewfinder Product Page

6 Comments

I’m not saying it’s not worth it, but that’s a lot of money. I think they severely narrow their target demographic by being so expensive. I look at Cinevate and Zacuto as the Apple Computer of the DSLR video accessories world. They’re innovative, it’s high quality stuff, but it’s not for everybody. I’d be interested in seeing the difference between a $100 optic and a $400 optic. I have my primes and my fixed aperture zooms, but I’ve also got some of the less expensive stuff. For non critical prints, the other stuff is fine. I never feel like I’m having a focusing issue. They’re not as sharp, and the color isn’t as good. There might be some CA and barrel distortion, but most people don’t notice a lot of that stuff. I find it hard to believe that 5x magnification such a pristine optic is necessary. This inevitably drives up the cost of the unit. The purpose of the glass is to make focusing easier. I’m not concerned about color (within reason) or sharpness because it’s not getting recorded. I’ll be holding out for a chinese knockoff.

I do think it’s a great idea, and I’m glad to see something different instead of the zillion viewfinders out there.

It gets my DIY brain going. Perhaps a $70 5x 72mm macro adapter from amazon and some fiberglass… Or i should probably just invest in one of those 3d printer kits out there. And start printing out my rigs… lol

Makes me ask myself: are those guys going to far ??
As far as I’m concerned, my 50$ viewfinder is good enough (I even sold my zaguto).
Why ?
Because all those viewfinder do is magnify the lcd screen.
Since those lcd aren’t perfect, I personnaly think there’s no point investing 400$ in such a viewfinder.
What do you think guys ?